Independence Hall

Description

Visiting

Independence Hall is open every day of the year, excluding Christmas. Hours vary by season.

Tickets

Tickets are required for admission. Free, walk-up tickets are available for pick up at the Independence Visitor Center on the day of your visit starting at 8:30 a.m. Arrive early — during the busy season, tickets are often gone by 1 p.m.

To guarantee a ticket and to avoid waiting in the walk-up ticket line, consider purchasing timed tickets ($1.50 each) in advance, either by phone or online. For more information and to reserve tickets, click the button below.

Location

Independence Hall is located on the south side of Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th streets.

Overview

They risked everything — “their lives, their fortune and their sacred honor.” During the blistering summer of 1776, 56 courageous men gathered at the Pennsylvania State House and defied the King of England. Eleven years later, representatives from 12 states gathered to shape the U.S. Constitution, finally creating one unified nation.

The guided tour of Independence Hall, led by National Park rangers, begins in the courtroom where lawyers from opposing sides shared tables and law books.

George Washington’s “rising sun” chair dominates the Assembly Room which is arranged as it was during the Constitutional Convention. In the adjacent West Wing, the original inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence and an original draft of the Constitution are displayed.

Rich in history, there is tons to explore at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Independence Hall is also part of the U.S. National Park Service and an Independence National Historical Park.

History

After the Revolutionary War, the fledgling nation was in chaos and bordering on collapse. Each state had its own monetary system and trade laws. There was no centralized system of defense. Yet many were wary of a strong central government. Debates were bitter but the checks and balances provided by three branches of government, originally housed in Independence Hall (at the time known as the Pennsylvania State House) alleviated concerns. In 1787, the U.S. Constitution was adopted after first being signed at Independence Hall.